Rees flies in on the wing

By Hannah Willis | 10/07/2018

Richard Lancaster, “He’s a strong, powerful and explosive young man who brings a lot of physicality and pace to a back line”

Summer signings continue at St Helens following our first two announcements last week, and the club is pleased to announce their latest signing as 23-year-old Gareth Rees from Porthcawl.

A versatile winger/centre, Rees has played for his home town club Porthcawl RFC for much of his rugby career, and last season was involved with the team winning the three West central league title, a history-making Cup run which saw them taking home the WRU National Bowl and being crowned Team of the Year at the Ospreys Community Awards. Alongside Porthcawl RFC, Gareth has also had the opportunity to build game time at Bridgend Athletic and Kenfig Hill RFC.

During the summer months, Gareth has been involved with many 7s teams but most recently the Prostate Cymru All stars who were established this year to raise awareness of the charity across the rugby circuit. The Prostate Cymru team which also includes current Whites player Luke Griffiths and former player Steff Jones, won the Trimsaran 7s tournament where Rees was awarded ‘Player of the Tournament’.

On making the move to the Premiership league, Gareth commented, “Being part of the Porthcawl RFC team that won the double last season has made me really thrive to want to play at a higher level of rugby and test myself further. Having played one or two games for Swansea last season, I had an insight into the set up here so I knew when I was offered the opportunity to sign for the club that it would be a good next step for my rugby. I’m looking forward to getting into the mix, playing against Premiership sides more regularly, and hope to make my mark within the squad”

Director of Rugby, Richard Lancaster added, “Gareth made a really good impression on us all when he played with us last season. He’s a strong, powerful and explosive young man who brings a lot of physicality and pace to a back line. He scored a boat load of tries for Porthcawl last season, and we’re looking forward to seeing how much of an impression he can make in the Premiership”

There’s still got plenty more news coming your way, keep your eyes peeled on the website and social media!